A little pissed and a little sad update page 2

I purchased a 2.4ghz Mbp off eBay and got it today. Coming from a PowerBook I was looking forward to the great power of my new computer. I bought this mbp knowing that it had a faulty keyboard and a bad SuperDrive and it was just out of warranty. So I got it today and opened it up to switch out the harddrive and on the underside of the top case I was surprised with a good amount of a sticky liquid substance all over the place. The computer also has a loud beep which is an with the mobo. The seller doesn't want to deal with it so I filed a complaint with paypal and hopefully they will resolve the issue. It really sucks though because I need a new computer for my last year of college and most of my money is wrapped up in this mess.

For future purchases, there's a good chance when the keyboard is dead or wonky, that it belies liquid damage. Luckily for you, eBay/Paypal nearly 100% sides with the buyer in disputes, so you'll likely get your money back.

If you're looking to save, I'd buy Apple refurbished, or locally and have it checked out by Apple.

I purchased a 2.4ghz Mbp off eBay and got it today. Coming from a PowerBook I was looking forward to the great power of my new computer. I bought this mbp knowing that it had a faulty keyboard and a bad SuperDrive and it was just out of warranty. So I got it today and opened it up to switch out the harddrive and on the underside of the top case I was surprised with a good amount of a sticky liquid substance all over the place. The computer also has a loud beep which is an with the mobo. The seller doesn't want to deal with it so I filed a complaint with paypal and hopefully they will resolve the issue. It really sucks though because I need a new computer for my last year of college and most of my money is wrapped up in this mess.

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sorry to hear this and hope you manage to get the sale reversed. After PayPal resolution kicks in, I hope you make sure to give the seller the kind of rating he/she deserves so that others don't have to deal with the same kind of issues. The only way ebay will work is if people are up front about what they are selling. That seller is bad news.

Agree about the apple refurb suggestion-- theirs are much less risky since you have the benefit of a warranty and expert service. Things can still go wrong, but in my experience the apple refurbs are not just repacked, they're often 'like new'. ANd in case they're not, you're covered.

I'd start maybe escalating through customer service and trying to see if you can talk to higher-ups in either customer service at PayPal or your bank...I'm sure you have everything documented so be ready to send pictures and such and include documentation of communication with the seller and his refusal to do anything about it.

Sounds to me like a non working computer which isn't what the auction described. Tell your bank that you never got a working computer as advertised. It sounds like you had Paypal linked directly to your checking account. It should always be linked to a CC so that you have them to back you up. The bank doesn't really care if you get your money back or not where as the CC company doesn't want to lose a customer that they're trying to earn interest from. I personally only use AmEx due to their incredible customer support, especially in situations like this. Paypal never wants to open a second case unless there is some overlooked aspect or there are other people with the same experience.

I'm jus going to purchase a new 15 2.4 ghz hires tomorrow from the apple store. It's lot of money but through financing it's not to bad and at least all be the only owner. Lesson learned I guess. It sucks though because I had such good luck with eBay in the past.

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